The report notes abuses in almost every domain of scientific research – from public health research on asbestos, silica and tobacco to climate science and nuclear power – that both present profound risks to public health and safety, and undermine the reliability of science.

Corporate influence is not only broad, but deep. As the report outlines in great detail,

corporations attempt to exert influence at every step of the scientific and policy-making processes, often to shape decisions in their favor or avoid regulation and monitoring of their products and by-products at the public’s expense.

bury scientific information by harassing scientists and their institutions into silence. The coercion comes in many forms. Corporations muzzle scientists by including gag orders in research or employment contracts.

For example,

In 2000, Dr. John Buse at the University of North Carolina found that Avandia users had a high risk of heart disease, and published his findings. In response, Dr. Buse alleges, a representative from the company contacted his boss, accused him of lying, and threatened to sue him for a $4 billion drop in the company’s stock valuation.

The Union of Concerned Scientists report includes an extensive list of recommendations for “essential federal reforms” to help protect science and science policy makers from “undue corporate influence.” The recommendations focus on four key areas – protection of scientists, government transparency and accountability, regulatory reforms, and increased public access to scientific information.

It remains to be seen how these findings and recommendations will impact federal policy, but the report is certainly a welcome voice of dissent amidst the rising tide of corporate science.